Commission Agenda Item No. 3
Presenter: Jason Estrella

Action
Acquisition of Land – Fannin County
Approximately 40 Acres at Bonham State Park
January 21, 2021

I.      Executive Summary:  The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) staff recommends the purchase of approximately 40 acres of land adjacent to Bonham State Park.

II.     Discussion:  Bonham State Park comprises 261 acres in Fannin County northeast of Dallas, near the city of Bonham.  The park includes a 65-acre lake, rolling prairies, and woodlands.  The state acquired the land in 1933 from the city of Bonham; the park opened in 1936 with the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

The TPWD staff has negotiated the acquisition of an approximately 40-acre tract from a willing seller, contingent upon authorization from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (Commission).  The property is located within the Blackland Prairie ecoregion, which consists of high-priority historic prairie ecosystem.  The property is currently being managed to restore valuable native habitat.  Park management has a good relationship with the current landowner.  Acquisition of this property would reduce the boundary/acreage ratio, clean-up the boundary on the west side of the park, and provide opportunities for access and recreation to the west side of the lake.

III.     Recommendation:  The staff recommends the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopt the following motion:

“The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission authorizes the Executive Director to take all necessary steps to acquire approximately 40 acres in Fannin County for addition to Bonham State Park in Fannin County.”

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Commission Agenda Item No. 3
Exhibit A

Location Map for Bonham State Park in Fannin County

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Commission Agenda Item No. 3
Exhibit B

Vicinity Map for Bonham State Park (SP)
55 Miles Northeast of Dallas

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Commission Agenda Item No. 3
Exhibit C

Site Map for Bonham State Park Showing Location of Subject Tract
Subject Tract in Yellow
State Park in Red